James | future photographer

Photography has interested me ever since I was little. It captured a single moment in time; which provided a sense of control to a little kid. I did not do much then, but I was observant. So when the camera was introduced, it felt as if I had acquired some magical power. Photographs reveal the beauty of the world and how every little thing fits together. They link the viewer to a place in time, with its own story, displaying culture and connections, showing amazing depth through a single image.

The field of photography offers so much freedom because it presents a multitude of career opportunities, which require no particular training, only an open mind and willingness to see. Enthusiasts can take classes at art schools, museums, private studios, and universities. I have assembled my best works into a portfolio, which continues to progress as I grow in skill and experience. Serious professionals refine their craft through specialized training in their respective fields, like film, nature, photojournalism, sports, and the sciences. And possibilities continue to emerge as technology advances and photography becomes more accessible. Already we are able to capture images that were once unimaginable.

I uncovered information from viewing books and reading through websites about careers and classes. These sites linked to blogs and magazines, which then led to more interesting articles. I especially enjoyed learning how one artist combined animation and photography to bring everyday objects to life. I already love to do both, but never considered mixing the two. This kind of work inspires me to create and experiment with greater purpose.

James's essay appears here as written, to preserve the young author’s unique voice and individual writing style. However, we have deleted personally identifiable information to protect the student’s privacy.